FAQ's
Below you’ll find quick answers to the things people ask us most. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, just drop us a message — we’re always happy to help.
Getting Started
Q: How does online coaching with Open To Change actually work?
A: Everything starts with a video consultation. We’ll explore your goals, training history, lifestyle, any injuries, and the time you can realistically commit. From there we design a fully personalised training, deliver it through our coaching app, and stay in touch with regular check-ins.
Q: Do I need to be “fit” before I sign up?
A: Nope. We coach complete beginners through to seasoned athletes. Your programme is built around your current level and progresses at a pace that’s challenging and never overwhelming.
Programmes & Customisation
Q: What types of programmes do you offer?
A: Fat-loss, muscle-gain, strength, sports-performance, post-rehab and general health-and-energy tracks. Most clients end up with a hybrid plan that blends these goals to suit their lifestyle.
Q: How is the plan “personalised”?
A: We tailor exercise selection, set/rep schemes, cardio prescriptions, mobility work, nutrition targets and weekly training volume to your goals, equipment, schedule, preferences and recovery rate. No cookie-cutter PDFs here.
Equipment & Training Environment
Q: I only have a few dumbbells / resistance bands / zero equipment. Is that a problem?
A: Not at all. We can create effective sessions with body-weight moves, household items or minimal kit, and we’ll update your plan as your equipment collection grows.
Q: Can I use the programme in a commercial gym?
A: Absolutely. Many clients train at home mid-week and hit the gym at weekends; we’ll optimise both scenarios.
Support & Communication
Q: How often will we talk?
A: You’ll have a scheduled weekly check-in (sometimes video, voice note or written, plus unlimited in-app messaging for quick questions. Expect replies within 24 hours on weekdays.
Q: What if I get stuck on an exercise?
A: Upload a short video from your phone and we’ll send technique feedback, coaching cues or a swap-out option.
Tracking Progress
Q: How do you measure results?
A: We combine objective data (body-measurements, strength numbers, photos, wearable-tracker stats) with subjective markers (energy, sleep, mood, daily stress). You’ll see the trends inside the app and we adjust the plan as needed.
Motivation & Accountability
Q: I struggle to stay motivated on my own. How will you keep me on track?
A: Regular check-ins, smart goal-setting, habit-building tasks and real-time progress charts keep you engaged. Most clients report higher consistency than they’ve ever managed solo.
Are you a fitness coach based in Ballymena?
A: Yes — Open To Change is proud to offer online fitness coaching from Ballymena. Whether you’re local or further afield, you’ll get expert, personalised support from a Ballymena-based coach who understands your goals, lifestyle, and training preferences.
Testimonials
Kim
Before starting Open to Change I had become very lazy and was surviving on mostly chocolate every day at work and hadn’t stepped foot in a gym in a few years and just felt like I’d let myself go!
Since starting I lost nearly a stone and then managed to maintain it for the rest of the program! I also joined a gym and gained so much more confidence in the gym setting because everything was planned for me in advance which made it seem so easy.
I honestly couldn’t recommend it more if you need some help and guidance!
Ryan makes it all so straight forward and is great at keeping you motivated! Send him a message, you’ll thank yourself for it.
Judith
I was at an all time low, getting depressed as I couldn’t get the weight shifted and I was totally lost at what to do.
I’m now feeling a lot better within myself. Have lost over a stone and a half, down in clothing sizes, and often get compliments on my progress.
Ryan is an absolute legend and he helps you to get out of ruts.